Fun with Frugality - Entertainment

Ok - here to talk about entertainment. Before I get started, please allow me to explain something - while we have a television set, we do not have cable or satellite service. We are not set up for "TV" at all. While there are a lot of good things to watch out there, I think the bad outweighs the good. And the commercials - for anything and everything, most of them just trash. We do, however, have internet. I know - advertisements on there - but I can control them a little better. Now on to the post!

1) Use your local library! Ours has an online feature where you can look and see if they have a particular book, renew your current checked out books and probably several other things I don't even use. It is all free. Our library has magazines you can check out, Wilton cake pans you can rent, puzzles . . . many, many features. We go once or twice a week. They also have an internet room for people who do not have internet at home, you can go and get on a computer for 2 hours per day - free. We utilized that a lot before we got internet at home.

2) Read a book. While DS and I LOVE to read, Honey does not. So sometimes, I read aloud. As far as books that your library may not have, ours has a program where you can request a book - I think it costs $0.50 and you get it for 2 weeks. Or, if you just have to buy - check out e-bay or amazon and see if you can't find it used. I have bought many books this way - used - and 99% of them have been just like new. Check your local thrift stores for books.

3) Use your friends. We borrow DVDs back and forth with our friends. And some books.

4) Try Netflix. This is a great low-cost option for movies. Or check with your local movie rental place - we get 1/2 price on all movies for about $10 a month - and end up spending maybe $20 total.

5) If exercise is your thing, check out your local YMCA or civic center. Our civic center is free, doesn't cost a thing. They have a walking track, basketball courts and a great exercise room with all manner of weights and machines. There is also an aquatic center that is low-cost.

6) Take a drive. Out in the country. Just get away for a bit. Doesn't have to be a long drive - you can drive to the local nature preserve or what have you and just park and look.

7) Have a bonfire-hot dog roast. This is good for people who have school-age children - children usually love a bonfire. Roast hotdogs and marhsmallows. Sing songs. Tell stories. Sit and watch the fire crackle. Please use safety precautions when doing this!

These are just a few low-cost things that can be done for entertainment. What are some of your ideas readers?

Hope everyone has a lovely day today!